San Francisco
Scott McKenzie Lyrics
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Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair
If you're going to San Francisco
You're gonna meet some gentle people there
For those who come to San Francisco
Summertime will be a love-in there
In the streets of San Francisco
Gentle people with flowers in their hair
All across the nation
Such a strange vibration
People in motion
There's a whole generation
With a new explanation
People in motion
People in motion
For those who come to San Francisco
Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair
If you come to San Francisco
Summertime will be a love-in there
If you come to San Francisco
Summertime will be a love-in there
The lyrics to Scott McKenzie's song "San Francisco" capture the spirit of the 1960s in the United States, particularly the countercultural movement that emerged in San Francisco. The opening lines encourage visitors to San Francisco to wear flowers in their hair, a symbol of the flower power movement that emphasized peace, love, and non-violence. The song suggests that San Francisco is a place where one can encounter like-minded people who share these values.
The second verse of the song emphasizes the summertime atmosphere in San Francisco, where love-ins (gatherings characterized by music, dancing, and a "free love" ethos) were popular. The third verse of the song shifts to a more general perspective, suggesting that the countercultural movement was not limited to San Francisco and that it was a part of a broader generational shift happening throughout the United States.
Overall, the song captures a sense of utopian idealism, imagining a world in which people are free to express themselves, love one another, and reject the values of the mainstream culture. The song's message was widely embraced by the youth of the day and became an anthem for the counterculture.
Line by Line Meaning
If you're going to San Francisco
Before you embark upon a journey to San Francisco
Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair
It's customary to wear flowers in your hair as a symbolic representation of peace and love
If you're going to San Francisco
Before you embark upon a journey to San Francisco
You're gonna meet some gentle people there
San Francisco is populated by kind-hearted people who are likely to show you love and affection
For those who come to San Francisco
When someone visits San Francisco
Summertime will be a love-in there
The summer season in San Francisco is a time for celebration and a way to show love to everyone
In the streets of San Francisco
Throughout the various streets and neighborhoods in San Francisco
Gentle people with flowers in their hair
There are kind people including locals and tourists alike who wear flowers as a symbol of peace and love
All across the nation
In every corner of the United States
Such a strange vibration
There is a unique energy and atmosphere present
People in motion
Individuals are constantly on the move and busy with their lives
There's a whole generation
There is a specific age group of people
With a new explanation
They have different views and beliefs than previous generations
People in motion
Individuals are constantly on the move and busy with their lives
People in motion
Individuals are constantly on the move and busy with their lives
For those who come to San Francisco
When someone visits San Francisco
Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair
It's customary to wear flowers in your hair as a symbolic representation of peace and love
If you come to San Francisco
When you visit San Francisco
Summertime will be a love-in there
The summer season in San Francisco is a time for celebration and a way to show love to everyone
If you come to San Francisco
When you visit San Francisco
Summertime will be a love-in there
The summer season in San Francisco is a time for celebration and a way to show love to everyone
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: John Edmund Andrew Phillips
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@botsitoff5169
If you’re going to San Francisco
Be sure to wear some flowers
In your hair
If you’re going to San Francisco
You’re going to meet
Some gentle people there
For those who come to San Francisco
Summertime will be a love-in there
In the streets of San Francisco
Gentle people with flowers
In their hair
All across the nation
Such a strange vibration
People in motion
There’s a whole generation
With a new explanation
People in motion
People in motion
For those who come to San Francisco
Be sure to wear some flowers
In your hair
If you come to San Francisco
Summertime will be a love-in there
If you come to San Francisco
Summertime will be a love-in there
Scott McKenzie - San Francisco
@ct-zh8hj
This is such a wonderful song, it takes me back to when I was a teenager and the world seemed so different. People seemed happier and more friendly towards each other. I was 17 when this song was released. God bless you Scott. RIP
@lucianasparzagni8926
D'accordo con te, hai fatto centro!!! Mi associo ai tuoi ricordi, il bel tempo che fu è stato un periodo d'oro, era anche la mia gioventù, ci abbiamo provato perché ci credevamo poi purtroppo non tutto è andato per il verso giusto e siamo rimasti delusi. Saluti dall'ITALIA da un vecchio fan (allora ero un 18enne con molti sogni da realizzare ) fiero di aver vissuto quel periodo meraviglioso e fantastico ciao.Buon 2024 ed un sincero augurio di una serena e lunga vita 😅❤
@ct-zh8hj
Thank you so much for those kind words.
@czaaful
Music the safe drug
@gustavohp2
Tudo muito lindo... Deixemos de lado a face oculta deste movimento, que prega paz e amor..
@eugeneleroux1842
I don't think even Scott thought that this song would still be enjoyed so much 56 years later. What a fantastic song !
@fatlo8400
Yes.......
@mariadosocorromarquesdasilvaso
🙏👏👏👏❤❤❤💋💋❤
@alicebellamio5491
he knows in heaven and he is pleased we are listening 🎵
@gedtoon6451
Excellent song, excellent singer.